Effects of whole-body vibration training on sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been proposed as a feasible exercise modality for older adults with limited physical capacity; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness in individuals with sarcopenia remains inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WBV training with control interventions to evaluate the effects of WBV training on muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia. PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through March 2025. The primary outcome was lower-limb muscle strength. Secondary outcomes included physical performance and skeletal muscle mass. Effect sizes were presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed- and random-effects models. Six RCTs involving 202 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control interventions, WBV training significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.21-0.80) and physical performance (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.08-0.92). No significant effect was observed for skeletal muscle mass (SMD = 0.14; 95% CI, - 0.22 to 0.50). WBV training was associated with moderate improvements in muscle strength and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia, without a corresponding increase in muscle mass. These findings support WBV training as a feasible adjunct to conventional exercise interventions for sarcopenia management, particularly in populations with limited exercise tolerance.